Dreams for Kids
Blindness
Although the legal definition of blindness is a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, blindness includes a wide spectrum of visual impairments and diseases. Many individuals are born with blindness and others develop sight complications later in life. Because blindness affects over 10 million people in the United States, there has become an increasing amount of resources and treatments available for people with visual impairments.
The American Foundation for the Blind - The American Foundation for the Blind is perhaps best known as the foundation to which Hellen Keller dedicated her life. AFB prides itself on promoting healthy and independent living for people with visual impairments by providing information, strategies, and resources to them and their families. AFB also works to ensure the rights and interests of people living with visual impairments through their Public Policy Center in Washington DC.
The Foundation Fighting Blindness, Inc. - The Foundation Fighting Blindness, Inc. conducts research on prevention, treatments, and cures for a wide spectrum of vision impairments. The foundation also provides detailed information on scientific advancements surrounding blindness.
The National Federation of the Blink - With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The National Federation of the Blind improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.
Lighthouse International - Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed vision and rehabilitation services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through clinical services, education, research, and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives.
New York Institute for Special Education - This branch of the New York Institute for Special Education specializes in eye diseases and conditions.
Sight Connection - Products for living well with vision loss.
The National Eye Institute - The National Eye Institute (NEI) was established by Congress in 1968 to protect and prolong the vision of the American people. As one of the Federal government's National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NEI conducts and supports research that helps prevent and treat eye diseases and other disorders of vision. This research leads to sight-saving treatments, reduces visual impairment and blindness, and improves quality of life for people of all ages.
Guide Dogs for the Blink - Guide Dogs for the Blind trains guide dogs and connects them to people with visual impairments.